Ayurveda (pronounced “EYE-yer-VAY-da”) is considered the world’s oldest continuously practiced health system, with origins dating back up to five thousand years ago in ancient India.
The word Ayurveda combines “Ayur,” meaning life, and “Veda”, meaning knowledge or science. It can be translated as “the science of life” or "the knowledge of how to live in the best possible way."
Ayurveda teaches a natural, holistic approach to health and wellbeing. Its core philosophy is that when life gets chaotic, the remedies need to be simple. It combines spiritual teachings, mythology, philosophy and scientific knowledge that has been practiced for over 5000 years.
Unlike Western medicine's primary focus on the physical, Ayurveda views health holistically, addressing the wellbeing of the entire person - body, mind, soul and senses. It sees humans as microcosms that reflect the macrocosm of nature’s cycles and energies.
Ayurveda aims to harmonize one’s internal rhythms with those of nature utilizing diet, lifestyle, herbal medicine, movement and breathwork. It recognizes that our minds and bodies mirror the elements that make up the external world around us.
The basic premise is that just as the cycles of sun, moon, tides and seasons ebb and flow, so do we. When we move out of sync with nature by disregarding our body’s signals, we fall out of balance.
Ayurveda provides guidance on bringing harmony to all aspects of life for optimal health.
Ayurveda recognizes the deep connection between mind and body - an imbalance in one leads to disruption in the other. In modern times of disconnection, Ayurveda's goal of uniting mind, body and spirit is greatly needed.
The beauty of Ayurveda is its recognition that we are all unique. What works for one person may not work for another. It offers an individualized approach to cultivate one’s highest state of health and wellbeing.
